Going Forward Is Always Better Than Going Backwards

With graduation on the horizon, this will be my final blog before I leave the Raymond School District. For one last time, I will write about my hopes for the future of our schools.  I'm not going to revisit what has or has not been done in the district, although I am personally very proud of all the things that our staff, School Board, community and students have accomplished.  I also know that we have supportive citizens who want the best for our children. So here are my personal future hopes, plans, and thoughts for our schools (in no particular order):

• An addition on the elementary school to better serve our students' safety, special education, physical education and space needs
• Expanded world languages program that extends to the elementary school
• An outdoor classroom at the middle school- the location is perfect for all kinds of learning
• Expanded ELO program (Extended Learning Opportunities) and a requirement that all high school students complete at least one ELO prior to graduation
• More students as members of the Reach High Scholars club
• All students take part in some form of community service - this is a wonderful way for our students to develop an  appreciation and empathy for others
• Flexible schedules for students not succeeding in high school
• A competency based report card with a 4.0 grading scale grades 5-12
• Greater parent involvement beyond the elementary school
• Interventions in reading at all levels
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) opportunities at every level as a part of an integrated curriculum
• Continued growth in math using a universal screener to develop personalized learning
• More students attending SST- this is an outstanding opportunity that continues to assist our students in choosing a career based on their skills and interests, (as well as, having the potential to learn some amazing skills and earn college credits)
• More high school students in dual enrollment courses for college credits
• Student Internships outside the classroom
• A robust Freshman Academy where, perhaps, the 8th grade and 9th grade teachers team-teach or even trade places for a year
• Expanded on-line courses -many students will need to navigate this type of learning for their future needs
• A district where every child experiences success at every level

These are just my thoughts and some of the ideas I had for the future.  I could go on and on but, you get the idea, I just want what everyone does- an amazing school experience for our students. It has been an honor and a pleasure to work with your children.

Ellen Small